UNL Extension in Lancaster County

Know how. Know now.

Can You Guess It??

ANSWER: Baby Cottontail Rabbits

Cottontails flourish in much of Nebraska and can very quickly multiply if weather, habitat, or lack of predators allow. Here are some quick facts:

Breed: February through August

Gestation period: 28 days

Litter size: 3 to 5 young

Young: born naked, helpless, and with eyes closed

Young: remain in the nest up to 14 days

Adult size: 2 to 4 pounds

Habitat: woody and dense vegetation in rural and urban areas

Rabbits can bear two to six litters per year because females can breed immediately after giving birth and because breeding stimulates ovulation. Cottontail nests, called forms, are shallow, cup-shaped depressions lined with fur. The mother places fur over the young to help protect them. The young and their nests remain well hidden, even in closely-mowed turf.

Avoid disturbing nests of young rabbits as the mother will return to care for them at a safe time. If you suspect a rabbit has been abandoned, leave it there but keep people and domestic animals away.